Stanislaus County Equal Rights Commission honors three

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Three people were honored by Stanislaus County's Equal Rights Commission during a ceremony in the board chambers Wednesday.

Ramon Bawanan, human resources manager for the district attorney's office, and Brandi Welsh, management consultant for the chief executive office, received awards. The commission also recognized retired county employee Dale Butler for his efforts by renaming the award in his honor. It is now the Dale Butler Equal Rights Award.

The commission includes seven seats, three of which are vacant. Anyone interested in joining members Leslie Beggs, Dionicio Cruz, George Sharp and Jeremiah Williams on the commission can contact Suzi Seibert at 525-4494. For more information, visit www.stancounty.com/board/boards-commissions.shtm and click on Board, Commissions & Special Districts.

The Salvation Army celebrated 15 years in Turlock with a gala in its gymnasium last weekend. Curt Andre, the former Turlock mayor and longtime Salvation Army supporter, served as master of ceremonies. The organization honored five Turlock residents who played major roles in bringing The Salvation Army to the city: Darryl Crow, Don Smith, Kirk Sperry, Bert Van Tassel and Tom Watling. They also honored Maj. David Ebel, credited with helping the organization grow quickly while serving as its first officer in Turlock.

Central Valley Walk Now for Autism generated $135,000 during the Oct. 17 event at Modesto Junior College's West Campus. Local groups, families, individuals and organizations across the Central Valley participated. Donations will continue to be accepted until December.

Former Waterford High Principal Don Davis was named 2009 high school principal of the year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award, co-sponsored by MetLife, honors principals who excel in educational leadership, complex problem solving, professional growth and community involvement. Davis received the 2008 Association of California School Administrators secondary school principal of the year award.

John Black of Modesto took first place in the mentorship category Oct. 16 at the Lilly Reintegration Awards in Indianapolis. Black, who suffered mental illness, began his recovery at a community alcohol treatment center. He now heads the Peer Recovery Act Project, an organization that promotes wellness and community inclusion among those recovering from mental illnesses.

Mary Kline, Yosemite National Park's branch chief for interpretive services, has been honored by the National Park Service. Her award is for accessibility achievement, specifically programmatic accessibility achievement. The award recognizes accomplishments in seven categories that promote accessibility for the disabled within the national parks.

A Murphys winery has been named the woman-owned business of the year by a Silicon Valley group.

Bodega del Sur, in downtown Murphys, will be honored by the Women's Initiative Organization during the group's annual awards ceremony Nov. 19 in Mountain View. The winery is owned by Evelyn Reyes-Umana and her husband, Victor Reyes-Umana. Retiring from their jobs in San Mateo, they bought a Calaveras County winery in 2007 and teamed with winemaker Chuck Hovey to produce the Bodega del Sur brand.

The award recognizes women entrepreneurs and their businesses, focusing on their leadership and contributions to their communities.

Ken Jones of Murphys took first place in the Western Access Video Excellence contest for his television show, "Calaveras Gold, The Best of Calaveras Country." The award was presented by the Alliance for Community Media, Western States Region. He received the award last weekend in Reno during the organization's annual conference, beating more than 340 entries from stations in six Western states. Jones' travel show highlights natural, historic and cultural places of interest in Calaveras and surrounding counties.

Omega Nu, Phi Gamma Chapter, has announced its board for 2009-2010. Stacey Filippi will serve as president, Stacey Elving as vice president, Michelle Laverty as secretary and Jill Earle as treasurer. Lisa Martin will handle charities.

Submit news of awards and achievements for this column to local@modbee.com.